Quote:
Originally Posted by Rescuemomma  Great information - and for those of us on rescue we can tell you how many we see that are in bad shape because owners weren't financially able to care for them properly!
My Benjamin is a shelter dog - I pulled him from a high kill shelter. He's already a senior and relatively health. Great, free yorkie right? WRONG! I have only had him a few weeks - here's my costs to give you an idea
- premium food (wet and dry) - $50
- Initial vet check, senior wellness panel, neuter, heartworm test, etc - $450
- follow up visit and meds when he started coughing - $150
- Groomer - $45
- supplies (toys, ID tag, collar, grooming supplies, etc) - $200
And that's not adding in things I already had such as bedding, a crate, etc or the $50 harness he proudly wears - that's just the basics! A good food will run you no less then $20 or so for a SMALL bag. Good wet food is generally at least $2-$3 a can.
And this was for an old Yorkie with new teeth so I didn't need anything for him to chew on - and I had alot of things at home! This is just what I had to spend on what I didn't have or things he needed. And I consider it $900 well spent! I also have already bought an insurance plan for him - something I highly recommend, and have an account I won't touch that I only use for emergency expenses. I keep at least $1000 in there at all times! $1000 - $1500 may seem like alot - but if you can't afford that, you probably can't afford a Yorkie. Rescue shouldn't be looked at as a way to get a cheaper dog - often they're badly bred, and prone to more health issues then a dog purchased from a reputable, health-concious breeder. I choose to have my rescues because I well know the expenses can be extreme and I rather care for a dog others wouldn't or couldn't provide for. I am in no way saying you shouldn't rescue - quite the opposite, rescues are wonderful, and you can get healthy dogs from rescue - but just be aware seldom is health and genetic background known so you MUST be prepared for vet bills - wither you rescue or buy! |
Great points, insurance can make such a difference on whether you can keep the Yorkie or you have to rehome it. Even with insurance there is a copay cost, so I don't want people t think they are home free, but it can sure help. It just seems like everything about Yorkies cost more, for example brushes that works with dogs who have fur, are too hard on a Yorkie, they have single hair so the brush needs to be gentle to their skin, if you can scratch your arm with the brush, it's too hard for a Yorkie. I've had many rescues in my life and I agree a rescue can be so rewarding, but again when rescuing you do have to factor in some money for those vet bills. Also, older dogs do have more health expenses, in general.